Finished review coming soon! Review will be posted to Netgalley, retailers, Instagram, and TikTok!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Let me tell you something about this book. As a 33-year-old woman, sometimes reading romance books where the characters are in their 20s can be…tiring. It can be the same problem/solution in every book if you’re reading them back to back.

In Vanessa Jared’s Got A Man, we are introduced to Vanessa who is two years post-divorce, in her 40s and is just trying to figure out where she is in her life. One day, a man appears on her porch. A very fine man named Michael Park. Michael is a small town sheriff, in his 40s and he needs Vanessa’s help.

Vanessa was hesitant to help Michael due to the circumstances surrounding what he needs. She couldn’t let what happened to her, happen to someone else so she agreed to help Michael.

In order to do that though, she had to go to Michael’s small town and possibly face her past as well.

I really enjoyed this book so much! Michael and Vanessa are great characters even with their flaws. They’re also at the age where they know what they want so there weren’t any games. They’ve gone through their fair share of heartache and just want to move forward, possibly with one another. The slow burn was well worth the wait.

I also want to touch on the friendship group that Vanessa is part of. I like when the MFC has a solid friend circle of women that is reflected in a book. It makes for good comedic relief, healthy examples of sisterhood and it balances out the steamy parts.

Thank you @St.Martin’s Press & @NetGalley for the eARC!

Thank you to LaQuette, St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and GoodReads for providing me with a copy of a advanced reviewer copy in exchange for an honest review!

Strong female lead. Small town romance.

“Black might not crack, but it will sho fade if you don't take care of it, so fix yo' face”

REVIEW:
This book follows Vanessa who has divorced her abusive ex-husband and has now established her new life with her two best friends as the Savvy, Sexy, Singles Club. As Vanessa passes the two year anniversary of freeing herself from her emotionally abusive ex, Sheriff Michael from Monroe Hills shows up asking for Vanessa's help to stop a marriage between his little sister and Vanessa's ex-husband. Will Vanessa be able to convince Michael's sister of how toxic her fiancée is or will Vanessa goal now to discover who she really is along the way?

I love that this book had a strong female lead character who was able to recognize the red flags that eventually escalate to an emotionally abusive relationship and can stand her ground to leave without appearing as a "damsel in distress." Honestly, I felt like the stereotypical gender roles presented in most romance novels were swapped in this book. Michael appeared more as the character stuck in the lust relationship between him and Vanessa and went against everything to fight for their relationship. With that being said, I did not like how Michael's character was portrayed near the end of the book. His character honestly got quite annoying and I felt an almost co-dependent stalker vibe from him. I appreciate that the spice was not overwhelming in this book, given how short of a novel it is, and had the perfect amount throughout to be more plot-driven than smut-driven.

LaQuette stuns the book world with her stellar debut novel.

She goes down a path where few have dared to venture since McMillan wrote “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” Yet LaQuette has risen to the challenge and done just that, by bringing us a novel that deals with “Grown folks’ business” added with a touch of “Badassery”

Story:
Vanessa Jared

40 Something, 2 years Post divorcee, Vanessa Jared has finally been freed of her abusive, no good,
cheating, ex-husband..

She has joined a support group for divorced women, made some wonderful friends and together they have formed the Savvy, Sexy, Singles Club.
.
Entering:
Michael Park

On the second year of being divorced and free of the creep, Karl Sheriff Michael Park appears on Vanessa's doorstep, asking for her help with his sister Cindy.

20 something Cindy has fallen in love with Karl, Vanessa's ex and they are engaged to be married. Michael has been Cindy’s guardian since their parent’s died and he wants to protect her.

When he found out that Vanessa was Karl’s ex, he came there immediately to see if she would talk to Cindy about Karl.

Michael had his suspicions about Karl and by seeing Vanessa he could almost ascertain that he was correct about him.

At first Vanessa was going to brush Michael off. But when she saw the picture of Cindy and noticed Cindy’s engagement ring she almost choked.

Karl had actually stolen her grandmother's ring and given it to another woman. Oh, it was on!

Not only was she going to talk to Cindy, but She was also going to get her grandmother’s ring back.

Vanessa agrees to return to his town to speak to Cindy, but what she did not expect was to stay for

subsequent nights at Michaels home.

Together:
LaQuette knows how to bring the sexual energy between the characters. It was genuine; not like
you were even reading a book.

They did not just immediately have a one-night stand, they actually took time to get to know one another.

(Even though Vanessa is over 40 something, divorced and if she wanted to have a one-night stand, c’est La vie!)

This was not the typical interracial stereotype either, which was an absolute joy. Michael was Korean American. SO, Refreshing!!

LaQuette has made a very relatable character, that I am sure many of us over “40 something” can agree with. Not the rich or abused part, but the divorced after 20 years part.

End::
Michael was exactly what Vanessa needed and Vanessa was exactly what Michael needed!

I loved this book and I hope the author continues to give us more.

Here is to being Divorced and Over 40something!

Savvy, Sexy, Single

#bklyn4life

Thank You NetGalley/LaQuette/St.Martins Press. St. Martins Griffen for this amazing eARC in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.

This book was cute but I found it hard to get into. I had a book hangover at the time I read this so maybe I will try again at a later date!

When a gorgeous sheriff shows up in front of your door asking you to save his little sister from your no good ex, what choice do you have but to go along? Vanessa Jared is a 40-something divorcee, who has finally gotten herself into a good place after divorcing her emotionally abusive ex for cheating on her, taking half of his assets, going to therapy, and making two new best friends who together form The Savvy, Sext, Singles Club. Vanessa wants nothing more than to celebrate with her two best friends but during the two year anniversary of their club a sexy sheriff shows up on Vanessa’s doorstep asking for her help to prove to his little sister that the man she is marrying is horrible... and that man happens to be Vanessa’s ex. Vanessa wants no part of it she wants nothing to do with her ex, but when she notices that not only has her ex announced that she was dead but he stole her beloved grandmother’s ring and given it to his new fiancee, Vanessa is going to get it back. But when a missed confirmation and no hotel in sight happen, Vanessa finds herself living with said sheriff. Michael is a sheriff and ever since his parents died, his only priority is making sure that his sister is happy and cared for, so when he does some digging on her fiancee and discovers Vanessa, he is hell bent on revealing the truth to his sister... except ever since he met Vanessa he’s begun falling for her. Both Vanessa and Michael have their own baggage, and both of them know that this is complicated, but their attraction keeps growing and they can’t seem to help falling for one another. Now Vanessa will have to ask herself if she is ready to open her up to love and Michael will have to ask himself if he is ready to finally chase his own happiness. This was a wonderful rom com and the chemistry between Vanessa and Michael was amazing. I had so much fun reading this and would definitely recommend it!

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This book was disappointing for me to read. It read like your stereotype romance which was disappointing.
2 stars DNF



******************************I received an ARC for an honest opinion from NetGalley************************************

What a read! Honored to be given the opportunity to read this prior to its release via Net Galley! I loved to see the evolution of Vanesa! We meet her when she is refiguring out life after a divorce that stripped her identity and overall foundation! With the help of her girlfriends and therapist she reengages life. Things are beginning to move when Michael stumbles into her life thanks to her no good ex. He’s wanting her help to make sure his baby sister doesn’t endure the hell Vanessa once did. The attraction is instant and the chemistry between the two of them is hot! I loved every minute of this beautiful journey! It restores your hope in love again after loss and pain! It’s well worth the read!

"Vanessa Jared's Got a Man" is a beautiful second-chance romance that is sexy and fun to read. I appreciated that the main character was a bit older than traditional rom-com heroines. It was a refreshing take on a romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Vanessa Jared’s Got A Man is the first book that I’ve read by this author and won’t be the last! I absolutely adored and devoured this book! I enjoyed that the characters are in their 40s and not their 20s like most romance books. It made me feel a little more connected to the characters being closer to my age. I enjoyed the friendships between Vanessa and her Savvy, Sexy Singles club friends. I also liked that this books showed that Vanessa grew stronger and was able to find herself again after she divorced. Over all I really loved this book and highly recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review

This was my first read by author LaQuette and consider me an insta-fan. When our story begins, we meet female protagonist Vanessa Jared, who after twenty years of marriage is trying to make a life for herself. But maybe a divorce support group just isn't the answer? Luckily, she bumps into two women and together they create the Savvy, Sexy, Single club as they are all women in their 40's rebuilding themselves after divorce. The friendship between the three women was my first favorite element of this book. I just loved their banter! The second thing I loved was that this is about women in their 40's! A demographic that I entered this year so I am loving that!

Then there is our male protagonist, Sheriff Michael Park. Who also has two really awesome friends that are there for him too. Michael gave up his job as a Philadelphia detective to take care of his sister after the tragic deaths of both their parents. It is years later and his sister, Cindy has fallen in love with Karl. Michael is suspicious of Karl and when he finds out that Vanessa is Karl's ex-wife, he begs for her assistance. Also, Michael cannot deny that he is immediately attracted to the gorgeous African-American woman that stands before him. As for Vanessa? She is trying to push her lustful thoughts about the Korean-American sheriff and just plans to keep it strictly business. Because Karl has given Cindy a ring that is very important to Vanessa's family and she just wants it back.

So Vanessa journeys to the small town where Michael is the sheriff and although she only plans to stay one night, circumstances soon make her a guest in Michael's home. Cue the sexual tension to be ramped up! Let me tell you fellow readers, it's not cheesy and there are a lot of scenes where the two get to know each other quite a bit before falling into bed with one another. Lots of comedy and romance follow and I loved that too!


I just couldn't stop reading and I quickly found myself part of the Vanessa and Michael fan club and it's a hill I will remain on for a long time. With the epilogue, I have a feeling there will be a sequel starring Janae and Adam and I cannot wait!


Expected Publication Date 20/09/22
Goodreads Review Published 28/07/22

A cute romance with an older female lead and interracial relationship between an Asian Man and Black Woman. It was cute and fun.

If you are looking for an escape from reality, look no further. Sassy, sexy, romantic, and witty page turning book. Vanessa reeling from her divorce, joins a useless support group only to find two amazing girlfriends in the process. The Savvy, Sexy and Single Club is born and supports her through a rebuilding of her life.
When she is asked by a super sexy Sheriff (from her new friends small town) to help with his sister's engagement to her ex, we get to go along on a whirlwind romance and possible route to revenge. Can she get past her domineering ex-husband's abusive behavior, take control of her heart and recognize what is standing in front of her?
Definitely worth the read!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. Thanks St Martins Press and Netgalley for this spicy ARC.

LaQuette Twitter: @LaQuetteWrites
LaQuette Instagram: @la_quette
SMP Romance Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @smpromance
St. Martin’s Press TikTok: @stmartinspress
#VanessaJaredsGotAMan #LaQuette #SMPRomance

In Vanessa Jared's Got a Man, Vanessa Jared is a 40-something divorcee that recently escaped an abusive marriage. She formed a group called The Savvy, Sexy, Singles Club with some other recent divorcees and created a dependent close-knight group. A few years after her divorce, Vanessa is moving on from her past relationship, and an alluring sheriff, Michael Park, shows up on her doorstep trying to convince her to help him keep his little sister from marrying her ex. Of course Vanessa is conflicted, on the one hand she wants nothing to do with her abusive ex, but on the other hand she wants to get back her grandmother's ring, which her ex stole and gave to his new fiancee.

I love that this is a romance that focuses on an older woman having a second shot at her happy ever after. I really enjoyed Mark and Vanessa's group of friends. They were very supportive and showed that each character had a support network outside of each other. The physical aspect of their relationship was very steamy, but I wish we got more of the emotional growth in their romance. I recommend this to anyone looking for a romance with a heroine in her 40s, with forced proximity. Hopefully Laquette will write a sequal romance with a love story for some of the supporting characters!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a eARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's about time that I've finished reading this book! Thank you to Netgalley for providing an eARC of this novel from LaQuette. This cover is stunning!

I loved this concept, a woman finding her courage and getting a second chance at love. Vanessa was so inspiring, this is a story that every woman should read especially if they need a confidence boost.

This is not a story that you want to miss. The only thing that I didn't like about this story was the fact that the ex-husband had so much denial in his voice, that he did nothing wrong. I guess it was realistic, but I wanted less of him in this book.

Hurry and pre-order, it releases on September 20, 2022!


Rating: 5/5 Stars ★★★★★

This book is so much more than a romance. It’s about healing and thriving after an abusive relationship, it’s about friendship & finding love when you least expect it, not under the best circumstance and let’s not forget the spice!! 🌶🌶

If you’re a fan of
-Enemies to lovers ( I wouldn’t say enemies but I wouldn’t say they had the most friendly introduction either So I don’t know the proper term 😂)
-Forced Proximity
-Small town romances

I would 100% recommend!

I loved the friendship Vanessa had with her Savvy, Sexy & Single Club.
The buildup, angst, & spice between the main characters was perfection and I’m always a sucker for a happy ending.

I didn't love this book. It was great to read a romance where the main characters were all people of color, but I could have done without the very explicit sex scenes. Sometimes less is more, you know? The storyline is very interesting -- a Sheriff, who happens to live where two of Vanessa's best friends also live -- needs Vanessa's help to keep his sister from marrying her ex-husband, so they hatch a plan...which of course, ends in an HEA that you could see coming from a mile off.

I would like to read another LaQuette book, so I can see if her style is different in other stories.

Vanessa Jared's Got a Man by LaQuette is quite the spicy debut!

Meet Vanessa: A woman who survived a 20 year emotionally abusive and controlling marriage that thankfully ended in divorce. She meets two other women in a support group that become her support system. Two years after meeting them Michael shows up on her doorstep. Vanessa's ex husband is now engaged to Michael's sister, and he needs her to convince his sister to end the relationship.

Vanessa is not in the mood, but when she finds out her ex proposed with her family heirloom ring, she is determined to get it back. What she did not expect was that she'd also be finding an intense amount of chemistry with leading man Michael.

I really liked both Vanessa and Michael, along with Vanessa's friends. This was a small town, forced proximity, instant love kind of romance book. The romance is VERY open door, immediate, frequent, and SPICY. At the beginning of the book I expected there to be more tension and plot around convincing the sister, but I am glad this book was more about Vanessa finding what she needed.

This was a quick and fun read by the pool kind of book!

Second chance romance, after 20 years of marriage Vanessa is done with her cheating spouse. With help from a couple friends, she pulls herself together. But then the hot sheriff shows up asking her to help tell his sister Vanessa's ex is lying saying she is dead. The story is interesting and the relationship between Vanessa and the sheriff is hot hot hot. I liked it!

Yes, I’ll be very honest. I downloaded this because of the cover, but it did not disappoint.
This is a book that has a main character that isn’t usual in romance books and if I had the courage to write a whole essay thanking the author for that ALONE. I would never shut up, but allow me to mention the other aspects why I think this book deserves a 5 star from everyone who even simply looks at the cover of it.
1. MC is a black woman over 40 divorcee
2. She has a group of friends who have the same qualities as #1.
3. The author does a spectacular job weaving romance and comedy together.
4. Michael is a hottie, and the romance is 🤌🏽 (Chefs kiss)
5. The book covers stigmas of metal health in the black community.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.